Well, 10-12 weeks early is only a little bit longer ahead than one would start any bedding plant here (e.g. 8-10 weeks), and from what I recall reading about lisianthus, I have a niggling doubt that's not long enough - the things I've read suggest they need a looonnnggg lead time, and some temperature conditions that may not be easy for the average home seed starter to provide. I don't recall if I've started them myself - if I did, they certainly didn't work out, as I don't have fond memories!

The Harrowsmith Annual Garden says to start them at least 3 months before the last frost, and that they are very slow growing.
That might be an understatement...
Anyway, here's a link...read the response from KSMe in Minnesota (I believe she runs a nursery), the second one down...
The first poster, from Australia, said the seeds were planted March/April and were showing signs of improved growth in October!

Well, Harrowsmith does recommend the plants be brought in for winter!

Anyway, like I said, I don't recall having any experience with them, but just relating some of what I've read...

Here is a link that might be useful: GW link on lisianthus

Thanks for the information and links. This seems to be one more instance of being drawn to flowers that are completely unsuited to our Alberta conditions! Oh well, I've got the seed, so have nothing to lose by giving it a try! Germination time according to the packet is 10 to 30 days, so I'll have to get these going right away. Always hopeful...

I've never tried them before but decided to give them a whirl this year too..sowed mine Jan 28..still to early yet to see anything popping up...if nothing I will learn a little patience..lol..savona

Hi
I have actually got these to flower once out of three tries. I can't remember what time of year that I seeded them as it has been about 4 years since I grew them but I think any time now would probably be good. I have always been able to get them to germinate but it has been getting them to get them to grow after that is difficult as the plants stay very small for a long time.

They need a constant temperature of about 20-25 deg. C to germinate. I use a germinating box that I made to germinate my annuals and it keeps the temperature at about 23 to 27 degrees C.. I have a fluorescent light above for light. One of those mats used for germinating may also work. After they have germinated they may take at least 6 weeks or more before they are big enough so that they can be handled for transplanting. They do not like to be over watered and can stay just a bit moist, as they are a plant from the prairies in their natural habitat.

The ones that I did get to bloom were a dwarf variety that took until early August before I saw any blossoms but it was well worth the effort. I quit growing them because they were just a pain to grow. Hope this helps.

Cheers Al

Today I have lots of seedlings popping up (day 11 from sowing)..I guess the tricky part is stil to come by the sounds of it...savona